Tag: Roo Panes

If you ask me what my all around favorite music genre is, anyone who knows me well, know that it’s country. But if you were to ask me what my favorite “music mood” was, I think many more of you would be surprised (Or are just confused by what I just said LOL).

Making playlists is something I’ve been doing for a LONG time. From the beginning when I had an iTunes in middle school I started created playlists and mixed CDs, all revolving around different themes, events and moods. I actually still have a lot of my old mixed CDs in my car and like to pop them in every once in a while for a fun throwback. Anyway, above all, my favorite “music mood” is by far what I’ve always personally called “soul music.” I know that I should probably find a different name, because traditionally “soul music” is associated with jazz, gospel and the blues, but the label has just always stuck with me. So what I am referring to is essentially slower, laid back music, often with a single instrument. Most often, this music isn’t your really passionate love songs or really sad songs, but more of a lighter dose of either of those, or just a bit more lighthearted. And it is always best listened to on a cozy rainy day, or a relaxing, warm sunny day.

When I decided that this was going to be an upcoming feature playlist, it was way too long (hundreds of songs), so I started picking through over the past couple of weeks, and then separated that into two lists. I followed my usual rule and tried to focus on including a big variety of artists, instead of multiple songs from the same artists. Which is SO HARD, considering some of my favorites, like Vance Joy, could have whole albums on here. I’ll also say that, for the most part, I don’t really put country music on a playlist like this. In my mind, that is a different kind of playlist.

The first list that I am saving for later features my all-time favorite self-proclaimed “Soul Music,”… all songs that are permanently on repeat. But today’s post is still pretty great, and since we’ve been having quite a few warm spring rainy days where I live recently, labeling this as my “Rainy Days” playlist was perfect.

I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE. ********

Yeah, so the past few weeks just weren’t happening on the music/blogging front. I usually work on these post throughout the week, but I kept getting to Thursday evenings with nothing started and no motivated to bust one out in one night. My sticky notes in my planner and notes in my phone were getting a bit ridiculous though so I’m back at it.

1.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/BandEric Paslay

Eric Paslay isn’t actually all that new to me, he’s one of those country song writing- turned artists that I’ve listened to since his very first single, “Never Really Wanted.” I sometimes wonder how its possible to continue to find what I think are fresh, unique sounds in country music, but I’ve loved everything that this guy has put out so far. His entire debut album is worth a listen with my favorites, “Keep On Fallin” “She Don’t Love You”and “Deep As It Is Wide” ( a remake of the original song he cut with Amy Grant and Sheryl Crow.) Right now I’m obsessed with his new single above, “High Class.”

I swear I really do try to focus on not repeating too many artists each week, but obviously my love for Vance Joy knows no end. This was my initial favorite off of T-Swift’s 1989 and Joy’s stripped down version just sounds so beautifully sad and I don’t think its meant to be a sad song.

Whatever, I’m pretty sure Vance Joy is what angels sound like…

4.Favorite Spotify List Heartland Drive – Spotify

Guys, this is a solid list. Country, rock, classic’s and new singles. Now I just need a road trip…

5.#SoulMusic I’m Obsessing OverTiger Striped Sky – Roo Panes

This soothing indie jam popped up on my Spotify a few months ago and has become a staple on my #soulmusic playlist.

When this popped up on my Spotify, I about choked on my coffee from laughing… I had completely forgotten about this song. The 90’s man, they were one of a kind. Chick bands just aren’t the same anymore. Of course this led me down a rabbit hole on YouTube, so while we’re at it, why not also listen to “Waterfalls.” You are so very welcome…

7.Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows DownGetting Ready to Get Down – Josh RitterListen HERE

I vaguely remember listening to Josh Ritter before, but when I first heard this song, I couldn’t quite remember who this contemporary folk singer was. Well, I think it’s safe to say that I am definitely a fan right now.

I have no idea who this chick is, she looks like she’s 13 and I can’t decide whether she reminds me of early Paramore or if she’s more of a pop singer. I wouldn’t say that the song is all that brilliant but its a song beat to add to your running/workout playlist, and maybe a few jam sessions in the car.

Not a Meghan Trainor fan? That’s fine, she’s even a bit much for me sometimes. But this song has a timeless sound, and though I never would have thought to put her voice with John Legend, it’s magic.

But then again, I also think John Legend sounds like an angel. Maybe he and Vance Joy can start a band. Anyway, moving on…

11.Guilty Listen of the WeekFriend Zone – Danielle Bradbery

Friends, I really did make an effort to not like this song. I quickly skipped it the first few times I heard it and I’m sure I have a lot of friends rolling their eyes. But it’s just fun and so stinking catchy. I didn’t watch her season of The Voice, but you have to admit that the girl has got pipes.

12.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears BleedMe & The Rhythm – Selena GomezListen HERE

Ugh. I swear I love her songs or I hate them. There’s no in between. This is obviously the latter. It’s just annoying.

13.Country Pick of the WeekHeartbeat – Carrie Underwood

If you know me, then you might be surprised by this one because I’m typically not much of a Carrie Underwood song. It’s not that she’s not talented, I’ve just never been a huge fan of most of her songs. But I’m a sucker for a solid, simple country long song, and I shamelessly love that Sam Hunt is on the harmonies. AND its great to blast in the car, so I’m sold.

BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 3 – 6

The main problem with slacking on these posts is that now I’m behind on my weekly picks for The Voice and wish I had the space to add some commentary. But obviously that is not happening so here is just a catch-all list of my favorite performances.

My Favorite Words.

'The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still' -Exodus 14:14

"You've got to know your limitations. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way." - Johnny Cash

"Courage is the ladder that all virtues are mounted on." - Mr. R. Crosby Kemper, Jr.

"It's your choice, Ace. People can live a hundred years without really living for a minute. You climb up here with me, it's one less minuteyou haven't lived." - Gilmore Girls

"Faith, it does not make things easy, it makes them possible" - Luke 1:37

"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the lights that I have." -Abraham Lincoln

"Writing is a struggle against silence." - Carlos Fuentes

"At the end of the day faith is a funny thing. It turns up when you don't really expect it. It’s like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well, it may not be a castle. And it’s not so important happy ever after, just that its happy right now. See once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you, and once in a while people may even take your breath away." - Grey's Anatomy

"Imperfection is beauty. Madness is genius. And it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. And when it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I'm already better than them." - Marilyn Monroe

“It’s not that I believe everything happens for a reason. Some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It’s the universe’s way of providing contrast. There have to be a few holes in the road. It’s how life is." – Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever

"Opportunity knocks; that doesn't mean you have to knock the door off the hinges." - Sam Herringshaw

"Grace doesn’t depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors." – William P. Young, The Shack

‎"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." - Robin Williams

"I think I'd miss you even if I'd never met you."-The Wedding Date

"If you don't even believe in the possibility of magic, you'll never ever find it." - Castle